Electric Vehicle chargers are in high demand – especially now the deadline for the Electric Vehicle home charge scheme has been set for 31 March 2022. J Kirby electrical are on hand to offer our services to support your electric charging installation needs. But what is an EV charger and why would you need one?
Demand for electric vehicles continues to rise at a steady pace, with the ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars in sight within the next decade many people are keen to get a head start in the development of electric vehicles and a lot of businesses that provide company vehicles are keen to get on board with the provision of electric cars.
A common concern amongst new and prospective buyers is running out if battery and where to charge it. The good news is public charge points are increasing rapidly however this isn’t always convenient which is why you may consider having a charge point installed at home. Below are some of the most common questions we are asked about EV chargers.
What is an EV Charger?
An EV Charger is a stand-alone charging unit specifically for charging your electric vehicle. Most electric vehicles come with a standard plug-in cable for the vehicle however this isn’t ideal and you are unlikely to achieve a full charge overnight. An EV charger is specifically designed for charging electric vehicles with the ability to charge your vehicle quickly, and there is a variety of options available to electric vehicle owners.
What is the EVHS?
The EVHS or Electrical Vehicle Home Charge Scheme provides funding up to 75% towards the cost of the installation of electric vehicle charge points in a domestic property. If this is something you would like to take advantage you need to act quickly as the scheme is closing to homeowners who live in single unit properties such as bungalows, detached, semi-detached or terraced housing. These installations need to be completed by 31st March 2022 and the claim submitted to the DVLA by 30 April 2022. After this date the scheme will only be open to homeowners that live in flats and people in rental accommodation.
Do new all new builds have an EV Charger?
Many new builds come with an electric charging point. However, it’s expected that building regulations are due to be altered to require every new home including flats and dwellings created from a change of use have EV Charging point infrastructure. This means there will need to be at least one charging point per dwelling with associated parking.
Can I install a charge point myself?
No. Installation of an EV Charger is certifiable meaning only a qualified electrician is able to install your EV charger, this is to ensure the installation is both safe and in line with regulations. If your EV charger is not installed by a qualified electrician the warranty of the device will be invalidated.
There are so many different chargers which one do I choose?
There’s a range of EV Products available to suit everybody. From a basic plug-in charge point to a more sophisticated smart charger, at J Kirby Electrical we are happy to arrange a free quote and work with you to understand your personal needs and identify the best product available to you.
